Do you have appliances in your home that need to be run separately? If you have the microwave going, do you need to make sure no one uses the toaster? Do you hear that distinct popping sound if the blender is running while something else is being used in the kitchen at the same time? Then nothing is working? You might want to review your electrical wiring to see if you need to add a dedicated circuit. Dedicated circuits are called that because only one appliance is attached to it and a breaker in the breaker box. This way the electrical load is managed for the breaker box. What type of appliances might need a dedicated circuit?
Major Appliances
Most of your major appliances could use a dedicated circuit. The last thing you want to happen is to have someone use the toaster, and the refrigerator goes out. If you have a separate refrigerator and freezer, you might need one for both. Other appliances would be a stove, dishwasher, wall oven, washing machine, dryer, air conditioner, furnace, etc. Some areas to review are how your home is currently wired, how much electricity the appliances use, and to review what is currently on the same circuits.
Minor Appliances
Depending on the amount of electricity they use, you could have some smaller appliances that need a dedicated circuit as well. As an example, a hair dryer. If you use a hair dryer for an extended amount of time, then it could end up blowing the circuit. Hair dryers in the past had a lower wattage and amp usage. Now hair dryers have become more powerful and can overload a circuit in an older home or ill-equipped outlet. Some other appliances that could require their own circuit include space heaters, window air conditioning, and microwaves.
Rule of Thumb
One thing to consider when determining if an appliance could use its own circuit is if it has its own motor. Some appliances with their own motors include mixers, blenders, juicers, garbage disposals, and can openers. With the increase in power given to these appliances, the load on the circuit is greater. Another consideration is how much power the circuit can take, and how many items are plugged into the circuit. There are a number of convenience appliances that by themselves are fine but put together could overload the electric. These can be sandwich makers, mini coffee pots, tabletop grills, etc.
Reviewing your appliances along with the electrical and current circuit board, you can determine if your electrical load is sustainable or if you need to have dedicated circuits added.
